An arena of excellence

After making the most unlikely run to the championship game in the history of the Arena Football League, the Destroyers are not happy just to be there.

After making the most unlikely run to the championship game in the history of the Arena Football League, the Destroyers are not happy just to be there.

Coach Doug Kay interrupted the celebration after the Destroyers upset the Georgia Force two weeks ago to remind his players that ArenaBowl XXI today against the San Jose SaberCats is the game that really matters.

Destroyers quarterback Matt Nagy led the Force to the ArenaBowl two years ago, and the sting from that loss still drives him.

But in one sense, the result might be less significant to the Destroyers' long-term success than the playoff run that got them to New Orleans. For the first time since the team came from Buffalo after the 2003 season, it can be said the Destroyers have arrived in Columbus.

Until now, the Destroyers had relied on novelty or whatever ties to Ohio State they could muster. Former Buckeyes coach Earle Bruce was the first Columbus coach. Ex-Ohio State star Chris Spielman succeeded him. This year, the home opener was promoted as Buckeyes Alumni Night.

After routinely selling out Nationwide Arena the first two seasons, attendance dipped significantly the past two years even as the team improved. When Columbus lost five straight games late this season and looked as if it might miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, the Destroyers seemed in danger of slipping off the radar screens of all but the most devoted fans.

"I want this football team to mean something to people in Columbus," Kay said. "I don't know whether it does, and rightfully so, probably. They took a good look at it and said, 'This is all right, but it's not being successful, so our interest can go other places.' I don't blame them. But I want them to come back in and feel this is their team, and it's something they can get proud of and can only get better."

The television ratings during the playoffs indicate people are paying attention. The Destroyers-Force game drew a local rating of 2.3, the highest local rating in the league this season.

"Coach Bruce said from day one you've got to be a winner," said former Ohio State All-American Jim Lachey, the Destroyers' line coach and senior vice president of football operations. "In Columbus, in the state of Ohio, when it comes to football, they want to follow winners."

Had the Destroyers finished 7-9 and lost in the first round of the playoffs, the season would not have been viewed a success. The one-point victory at Tampa Bay, followed by victories over 15-1 Dallas and 15-2 Georgia, caused people to take notice.

Jim Renacci, managing partner of the Destroyers, said the turnaround began with the hiring of Kay two years ago. In his view, Kay's experience, expertise and contacts made Columbus a desirable destination for players.

Though the Destroyers won one fewer game during the 2007 regular season than a year ago, Renacci saw improvement masked by a tougher schedule. During the playoff-clinching victory in New York, Renacci sensed the team was bonding.

Then came the playoff run.

"I think it's extremely important in any sporting league to be able to show you're of championship caliber," Renacci said. "Being conference champions, that has given a lot of credibility."

brabinowitz@dispatch.com

Destroyers primer

• The Arena Football League season started with high hopes in Columbus, and the team was 6-4 after 10 games. Then it lost five in a row and was on the verge of missing the playoffs. A victory over New York in the regular-season finale got Columbus into the postseason, where it upset Tampa Bay (9-7), Dallas (15-1) and Georgia (15-2), all on the road.

• Matt Nagy is the quarterback and team leader. Damien Groce (118 catches, 1,342 yards, 26 touchdowns) is his favorite receiver. David Saunders is a big possession receiver and often a target near the goal line. The offensive line is young and smallish but has held up well.

• On defense, end Ken Jones supplies much of the pass rush. The secondary has been inconsistent but has the athleticism to make big plays. B.J. Barre, in particular, is an outstanding athlete.

• More on the ArenaBowl C7

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